One thing is certain, Kyle Rudolph’s season with the Fighting Irish is over. Whether or not his career at Notre Dame is finished, that hasn’t been decided.

Rudolph caught up with his hometown Cincinnati Inquirer, discussing the surgery to repair his hamstring as well as the decision he’ll have to make as the NFL Draft approaches.

Speaking about his hamstring, Rudolph is about to lose the crutches that were so evident on TV cameras last week.

“I’m about ready to get rid of them. Three more weeks and I’m done with them,” Rudolph said. “”I haven’t had any pain at all. I was surprised. It’s actually a relief, after dealing with it the past four months.”

Discussing his NFL future, Rudolph and his family have yet to make any decisions.

One thing seems certain, the decision will be made after consulting with his family, including parents Jamie and Dan.

“We don’t have to make that decision for a while,” Dan Rudolph said. That’s the good thing.”

Kyle’s knowledge of the uncertain labor situation in the NFL is also a clear indication that the family has already discussed the situation.

“With a potential lockout, this is not a normal year,” Kyle said. “That’s another thing that would incline me to stay in college. I’m going to consider both options. From people that I’ve talked to, this injury doesn’t force me to do one thing or another. It’s just a little bump in the road.”

After reading this article, you’ve got to think the injury is the only reason that Kyle would consider returning to Notre Dame, and if the hamstring injury keeps him at Notre Dame for a senior season, both Irish fans and the coaching staff would be lucky to have him return.